Riddle speaks at NHA legislative breakfast

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, July 22, 2002

"I'm concerned about the education of our children," Riddle said. "And I'm not concerned so much with what they're taught, but what they're not being taught."

Riddle said that a big issue will be education funding, and, while it is a daunting problem, the solution lies in focus and asking the question "are we teaching Johnny to read?"

In addition, Riddle mentioned her desire for parents to have a choice in how their children are educated. As one who has educated her children in public, private and home school, Riddle said she is an advocate and supporter of all three methods.

"No way is better than the other," she said. "But I believe all parents should have the opportunity to choose what is best for them, regardless of their financial situation."

Riddle also mentioned water issues and small business as being two other items she will focus on in the house this session.

"As a small business owner myself, I have a clear

understanding of the issues that small businesses face," she said.

In addition, Riddle expressed concern over the loss of specialists in high risk specialized fields, such as pediatric neurosurgery; as an example, Riddle noted that the number of pediatric neurosurgeons in the Houston area has dropped from 18 to one.

In speaking about the upcoming legislative session, Riddle, who will be serving on the state of affairs committee and ways and means committee, admitted that the session would be a challenging one.

"Any time you come to session, and you're dealing with a lack of money, it's a challenge," she said.

Since her election in April, Riddle has been preparing for the upcoming session. She said that her hope is to set a strong precedent in her first session. "Every other term will play off this first one," she said, "but I plan on keeping my eyes on my goals and not wavering."

Riddle will be one of 40 or 50 freshmen in the upcoming legislative session.